Getting there.

There’s some very valuable life-lessons to be learned, here. More than I could’ve imagined. The most notable thus far? It’s a two-parter, so brace yourselves.

1. International Travel is not for the faint of heart. After two flights exceeding 10 hours, and a twelve hour layover; I wanted to cry.
2. The vastness of this planet is beyond what I had really been able to comprehend.

There is such beauty, and such differences at every turn that it’s most definitely overwhelming to the senses. Our customs, what we consider to be good public behaviour, what we eat, and what we think of as creature comforts – throw it all out the window. It means nothing. Street vendors have so much competition, they resort to grabbing your attention – physically, and aggressively. Is it uncomfortable? Absolutely 100%, and even a little scary; but even my anxiety-brain was able to deal with that situation for what it was. Vietnam has a dizzying number of motorcycles, people, and vendors – and an oh-so-distinct fragrance (from what I hear, not uncommon to other Southeast Asian nations).

Elburz Mountains

Elburz Mountains

Elburz Mountains

One of my favourite moments captured to date, was the Elburz Mountain range that we flew over, in the northernmost areas of Iran. Watching civilization slowly fade into the distance, from lit roadways, to small pockets of lights, to a single flicker at the base of an unyielding mountain range. Absolutely breathtaking, at an hour that I’m not even sure I understand (as, after hours upon hours in-flight, layover, and back in-flight – my body was sure of only one thing. It was done.).

Upon descent into Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), the light and fluffy cumulus clouds greeted us, with a soft, vanilla sunset.

Clouds over Saigon

And then, it was time for some much-needed rest. Although fitful, as the horns and the heady hum of the mopeds never truly stops.

Saigon Sunset